Cristiano Ronaldo was left fuming after being denied a blatant handball in Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh on Friday evening.
The Portuguese superstar made history as he recorded his 1,200th career appearance, having previously spent the majority of his illustrious time in football playing in football.
Ronaldo kick-started Saudi Arabia’s footballing revolution when he became the first marquee signing of the Middle Eastern league in December of last year.
The likes of Neymar, Sadio Mane, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson have since followed.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side were attempting to bounce back from a run of two previous games without a win, when they hosted Al-Riyadh in the Saudi capital, but the 38-year-old was unhappy when he was denied a penalty for handball.
Cristiano Ronaldo fumed after being denied a penalty for Al-Nassr on Friday evening
The Portuguese was denied a blatant penalty after a VAR review claimed no handball had been committed
His shot smashed into the arm of Birama Toure and replays appeared to show the Riyadh midfielder stuck out elbow to stop the effort from going in.
Ronaldo demanded a penalty that would have given him the chance to score his 18th goal of the season in all competitions for Al-Nassr and a VAR review momentarily gave hope that a spot-kick would be awarded.
However, the intervention of the video assistant referee ruled no foul play had occurred as play continued, with Ronaldo astonished at the decision.
This league is doing everything in its powers to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.
How is this not a penalty? pic.twitter.com/sY8anhqqdQ
— M (@madridfooty_) December 8, 2023
The 38-year-old made his 1,200th career appearance as Al-Nassr beat Al-Riyadh 4-1
Ronaldo did eventually score as Al-Nassr claimed a vital victory in the Saudi Pro League
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star was determined to bounce-back and eventually broke the deadlock for his side in the 31st-minute.
Ronaldo’s first half strike squirmed past goalkeeper Martín Campana and prompted emphatic celebrations from the hosts.
Further goals from fellow Portuguese Otavio and a second half brace from Talisca inspired Al-Nassr to a vital 4-1 victory that keeps pressure on Al-Hilal at the top of the table.
The result moves Ronaldo and his team-mates to within seven-points of league leaders Al-Hilal.
